By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 8th December. 2025
Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has won a fourth term in office, securing 89.77% of the vote in the October 25, 2025, presidential election. The electoral commission announced the provisional results, which were later confirmed by the Constitutional Council.
Ouattara, 83, has been at the helm since 2011, when he took over from Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to concede defeat in the 2010 election. The 2025 election saw four candidates vying for the top spot, but two major opposition figures, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running due to a criminal conviction and dual nationality issues, respectively.
The election was marked by political tension, with protests erupting over the exclusion of key opposition figures. Despite this, the vote was largely peaceful, with a few incidents resulting in 11 deaths. Voter turnout was estimated at 50.1%, lower than previous high-turnout elections but in line with recent polls.
Ouattara’s victory has been met with celebrations from his supporters, who see him as a champion of economic growth and stability. However, critics accuse him of consolidating power and limiting genuine competition. The president has promised to address the country’s security and economic challenges, including youth unemployment and regional inequality.
Several African leaders, including Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama, attended Ouattara’s inauguration ceremony in Abidjan on December 8, 2025, underscoring the significance of the event in West African politics.
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